£16.4 Million Scheme to Tackle Notorious Solihull Junction Congestion Gets Green Light
A senior councillor has given the go-ahead for the next phase of a multi-million pound project aimed at alleviating severe congestion at a critical Solihull junction. The improvements target the A45 Coventry Road, Damson Parkway, and Terminal Road intersection, which is notorious for bottlenecks, especially during peak hours, and serves as a vital link for JLR and Birmingham Airport.
Funding and Support for the Long-Awaited Project
The West Midlands Combined Authority has agreed to release a £16.4 million grant to fund the scheme, which has been described as "long awaited" by Councillor Ken Hawkins, the cabinet member for environment and infrastructure. At a recent Solihull Council meeting, officer Walter Bailey, group manager for infrastructure and commissioning, emphasized the project's importance, stating it is essential for relieving existing congestion levels, supporting the local economy, businesses, and residents, and enabling future growth.
A public consultation held in 2021 revealed strong support, with 79 percent of 200 questionnaire respondents either fully or partially backing the scheme. Councillor Hawkins noted that the approval process had been lengthy, expressing criticism over delays from the WMCA, but he ultimately decided to move forward to avoid further postponements.
Key Improvements Planned for the Junction
The project includes a comprehensive set of upgrades designed to enhance traffic flow and accessibility:
- An additional straight-ahead lane on the A45 in the eastbound direction toward the motorway.
- A new right-turn lane from Coventry Road into Damson Parkway, bringing the total to five traffic lanes on the approach from Birmingham.
- A dedicated bus lane on the eastbound approach to provide free-flow access for buses at the junction.
- Dualling of Damson Parkway between the A45 Coventry Road and the JLR Logistics Operations Centre access, completing a missing dual carriageway link.
- Replacement of the substandard pedestrian footbridge over the A45 with a toucan-standard pedestrian and cycle crossing across three arms of the junction, improving access to current and future bus stops.
Risks and Concerns Addressed During Approval
During the decision session, concerns were raised about potential cost overruns and environmental impacts. Councillor Ben Groom inquired about who would cover any expenses exceeding the £16.4 million budget, to which the officer responded that the council would be responsible for meeting any overspend. Mr. Bailey acknowledged the project as "high risk" but assured that significant efforts had been made to minimize and mitigate standard risks.
Councillor Ade Adeyemo highlighted that tree clearance had begun early, during nesting season, prompting Councillor Hawkins to explain that he authorized the work to prevent delays until next year. Before approving the spending and appointing Balfour Beatty as the contractor, Councillor Hawkins stressed that the decision was not taken lightly, noting the substantial financial investment and inherent risks associated with such a major scheme.
This initiative represents a crucial step toward improving infrastructure in Solihull, addressing long-standing traffic issues that affect both commuters and key economic drivers like JLR and Birmingham Airport.
